Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, delivers her speech during a launching ceremony of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage program, at PLK Dr. Jimmy Wong Chi-Ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School, in Sha Tin, Dec 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Integrating Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) knowledge into Hong Kong’s school curriculum is a promising front for cultivating a generation with greater affection for the city and the motherland, a lawmaker said Monday.

Starry Lee Wai-king, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, made the statement during the launching ceremony of a citywide program dedicated to promoting ICH education at the PLK Dr. Jimmy Wong Chi-Ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School in Sha Tin. 

Lee emphasized the “considerable significance” of including ICH knowledge in local schools’ curriculum. 

“It’s one of most fun, exciting, and promising fronts of cultivating a young generation with greater affection for the country and the city,” Lee said.

Students take part in a cultural workshop during the Chinese intangible cultural heritage program, at PLK Dr. Jimmy Wong Chi-Ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School, in Sha Tin, Dec 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

I definitely recommend more schools join in such events … It’s all about cultivating early sparkles of interest among youngsters, which can then be developed into deeper understanding and genuine love for the Chinese culture.

Hathor Wai, Hong Kong face-changing artist

Students from the school formed the first batch under the cultural program that experienced the charm of traditional arts via an array of workshops.

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The workshops featured a wide range of cultural arts and practices, ranging from local specialties like Jiangmen handcrafted jade flower bonsai to national cultural legacies such as Chinese paper-cut and seal-engraving techniques.  

Lauding the program in his speech, Raistlin Lau Chun, deputy secretary of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, said the program is yet another endeavor to contribute to amplifying China’s voice and Hong Kong’s role in international and cross-cultural exchanges.

READ MORE: HK places high value on traditions

Themed “Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritages: Passing down through generations to come”, the program struck a chord with the city’s current emphasis on the sustainable preservation and evolution of the living heritages, Lau said. 

Guests pose for a photo during a launching ceremony of the Chinese intangible cultural heritage program, at PLK Dr. Jimmy Wong Chi-Ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School, in Sha Tin, Dec 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Hathor Wai, the only female face-changing artist in Hong Kong, said she felt the spirit of starting early is particularly worth pursuing in terms of ICH education.

“I definitely recommend more schools join in such events … It’s all about cultivating early sparkles of interest among youngsters, which can then be developed into deeper understanding and genuine love for the Chinese culture.”

Students take part in a cultural workshop during the Chinese intangible cultural heritage program, at PLK Dr. Jimmy Wong Chi-Ho (Tin Sum Valley) Primary School, in Sha Tin, Dec 11, 2023. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The cultural program is co-organized by CR Longdation, Chinese Arts & Crafts, and New Territories School Heads Association.

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Chu Wing-hung, vice-president of Chinese Arts & Crafts, said the program will continue delivering more ICH events, such as lectures, exhibitions, and workshops, to local schools throughout the next academic year.

“We’re determined to take on our commitment to the cause of integrating more quintessence of Chinese culture into students’ school life,” Chu added.